Brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash is a great place to start with your child’s oral health, but these few hygiene habits will not be enough to keep your kids’ teeth strong on their own. Here is a closer look at a few great ways to continue protecting your children’s teeth long after they set down the toothbrush.
Stock the Fridge with “Detergent” Foods
One of the most interesting ways to keep your kids’ teeth healthy and free from plaque is to incorporate detergent foods into their diet. This includes foods such as carrots, apples, and nuts that will physically scrape away plaque even while the kids are eating a meal.
Avoid Bottle Decay and Deformation
A number of issues can begin to pop up when children are allowed to use bottles for too long during the day or are allowed to keep pacifiers as a comfort item as they grow older. Decay can occur when they are given juices and allowed to sleep with the bottles as this can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Pacifier deformation takes place when children aren’t weaned off of pacifiers, an oversight which can deform the interior of their mouths and alter their teeth.
Start the Dental Appointments Early to Avoid Apprehension
Children that are taken to a dentist as early as possible will quickly learn that these trips are just another part of life. This will make it less stressful to schedule annual visits as they become older and eventually begin planning these appointments for themselves. Parents should also lead by example and schedule regular appointments at Westmount Dental Centre or a similar clinic for themselves and their spouse twice a year.
Always Double-Check Medicine
Some estimates show that around 40 percent of people take some sort of medication that could affect their oral health, and this includes children. For kids under the age of 12, some of the worst offenders include syrup-based medication, antihistamines, and aspirin. Fluoride is another common additive that is good in smaller doses, but parents should check with their dentist to ensure that their children’s teeth aren’t saturated with fluoride.
Make Hydration a Habit
Every parent should help to instill the habit of drinking water throughout the day as an alternative to soda and juice. Drinking water is one of the single most important oral health tools as it will keep the gums moist, flush away food debris, remove bacteria, and clean the mouth in between brushing times.
The oral health needs of children will continue to change as they grow older, and these few tips are a great way to ensure that they maintain strong and healthy teeth throughout their lives.
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